Highlights
- Super combination 190 Cosworth in unique specification
- Originally owned by the King of Greece
- Solid car with scope to improve
- Fantastic opportunity to buy a notable Cosworth
- Former Mercedes Enthusiast magazine star
The Appeal
The Cosworth-engined Mercedes-Benz 190 had a faltering start in life. It was originally intended to campaign the world’s rally stages until Audi’s Quattro put paid to that idea. Instead the firm’s attention turned to the German DTM touring car championship. With help from Britain’s Cosworth a legend was born.
In 1988 the original 2.3litre engine evolved into the 2.5litre, 201bhp version. Just 5,743 were built and the example we have here is quite possibly one of the rarest.
Originally built for King Constantine of Greece it features bespoke Nautical Blue metallic paintwork with a similarly special-order blue leather interior. A former star of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine, it could now benefit from TLC but is otherwise a very solid, presentable and low mileage car. A huge history file only adds to its allure by documenting its fascinating history.
This is a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire what appears to be a one-off 190 Cosworth. For the right buyer, willing to add a little elbow grease, it is a quite fantastic opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
- Original UK market car
- First registered 11th January 1989
- VIN records confirm the one-off specification and build date of November 1988
- Current owner since 7th November 2008
- Believed to be the only W201 built in this colour
- First owner King of Greece and original build sheet available with car
- Featured in Mercedes Enthusiast November 2009 edition and copy in history file
- Original service book extensively stamped up to 16th April 1998 and 83,719 miles
- Extensive history file with plenty of invoices and old MOTs to verify the mileage
- Original book pack
- MOT expired 3rd April 2023 at 114,979 miles with various advisories for tyres, brake discs and pipes
The Interior
- Very original interior that is remarkably preserved, reflecting low mileage and quality components
- There are some signs of wear but they are localised and do not detract from the overall look
- Some wear to the door cards visible, particularly the driver’s door
- Carpets and over mats very preserved with no wear to see
- Bespoke specification leather seats with sports buckets front and rear
- Some wear to driver’s seat bolster but otherwise very presentable
- Small and light stain on nearside rear passenger seat base
- Front seats electrically operated with memory
- Seat memory buttons missing from driver’s door card
- Additional Cosworth-specific dials in centre console
- Clear VDO dials
- Centre console veneer presentable with light cracking visible
- Switchgear very presentable with clear, clean decals
- Dashboard top unmarked, only light scuffs to glovebox area to note
- Alpine head unit with missing volume switch
- Original Becker Mexico head unit provided with car
- Optional electric sunroof
- Light scuff on leather four spoke steering wheel
- VIN indicates factory fitted with air conditioning, cruise control and central locking
- Unused First Aid kit in rear parcel shelf
- Boot area very presentable with space saver space and jack
- Headlining appears unmarked and no visible sagging
The Exterior
- Custom Nautical Blue Metallic (code 929U) paintwork appears to be original
- Bodywork is solid and presentable with no visible rust but the paintwork is variously deteriorated
- Attractive body colour ‘Sacco Planks’ fitted to sides and blended with Cosworth body kit
- Bonnet displays lacquer peel
- Other panels have chips, marks and scuffs, although none are large or unsightly
- Some scratches visible on the boot lid and marks on the rear spoiler
- Vendor states that each of the wings have been repaired and repainted
- Front nearside bumper scuffed
- Delamination of offside rear door at the edge
- Offside front indicator cracked
- Driver’s door mirror appears to be poorly fitted into the door plinth
- Equipped with optional headlamp washers
- Underbonnet sound proofing deteriorated
- Some surface corrosion visible on edge of boot floor
- Offside front arch liner loose and slightly delaminated
The Mechanics
- 2,497cc M102 16v 4cyl with Cosworth light alloy head developing 20bhp
- Optional 4spd automatic gearbox
- Fitted with Mercedes ASD and LSD electronic controlled hydraulic locking differential
- Lower and stiffer suspension with self levelling rear suspension at the back
- The vendor advises that the idle needs to be correctly seet
- He also states that the electric OVP relay has a fault
- The last MOT expired in April with advisories for brakes, tyres and brake hoses
Summary
Mercedes-Benz’ Cosworth-equipped 190 was a step change for the firm. Technologically advanced and as quick as anything available from its rivals in DTM, it set the template for the AMG-fettled cars that have followed.
This particular 190 Cosworth will need some love, but given the brilliance of these cars and the rarity of this example, it will surely be investment very well spent.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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